Stylosanthes viscosa (L.) Sw.: A Comprehensive Description
Stylosanthes viscosa, also known as Sticky Stylo, is a species of flowering plant classified under the family Fabaceae. It is native to South America and is widely distributed across South America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Africa.
Common Names
The common names for Stylosanthes viscosa include Sticky Stylo, Tanglehead, and Tropical Clover.
General Appearance
Stylosanthes viscosa is a slender perennial herb that grows up to 60 cm in height. It has hairy stems and leaves that are divided into three leaflets. The plant has yellow, orange, or red flowers that form in clusters at the end of the stalks. The fruits of the plant are small, elongated, and contain a single seed.
Uses
Stylosanthes viscosa is an important forage plant for livestock, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. It is highly nutritious and can thrive in poor soil conditions. The plant is also used in soil conservation and erosion control programs as it has an extensive root system that improves soil structure. Additionally, Stylosanthes viscosa extracts have shown potential in the treatment of various diseases, including cancer and diabetes.
In conclusion, Stylosanthes viscosa is a versatile plant with various applications in agriculture, medicine, and soil conservation. Its adaptability to diverse environmental conditions makes it an essential component of many sustainable farming techniques.
Light Requirements
Stylosanthes viscosa requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. The plant performs poorly under shade or low light conditions. Hence, it is recommended to grow it in open fields or areas that receive direct sunlight for most of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Stylosanthes viscosa growth is between 20 to 35 degrees Celsius. The plant can tolerate hot and dry conditions, but severe cold and frost can damage it. Therefore, it is best to grow the plant in regions with mild winters or to protect it from frost during cold periods.
Soil Requirements
Stylosanthes viscosa prefers well-draining, fertile, and loamy soils for optimal growth. It can tolerate a wide range of soil acidity levels, from pH 5.0 to 7.5. However, the plant performs poorly in heavy clay or compacted soils that restrict root growth. Additionally, Stylosanthes viscosa can tolerate occasional flooding but performs best in well-drained soils.
Cultivation methods of Stylosanthes viscosa (L.) Sw.
Stylosanthes viscosa (L.) Sw. is a perennial legume that requires a well-drained soil with adequate moisture and good fertility for proper growth. The plant requires a warm and humid climate with an annual rainfall of 1000 to 2000 mm, and it can tolerate a pH range of 4.5 to 7.5. It can be propagated through seeds or vegetatively through stem cuttings or root divisions.
Watering needs of Stylosanthes viscosa (L.) Sw.
Stylosanthes viscosa (L.) Sw. requires regular watering during its growth phase, especially in the early stages of establishment. The plant should be watered thoroughly but not excessively, as excessive water can result in waterlogging and root rot. The frequency of watering can be reduced during the dry season, but the plant should never be allowed to wilt, as this can affect its productivity.
Fertilization of Stylosanthes viscosa (L.) Sw.
Stylosanthes viscosa (L.) Sw. requires adequate nutrition for optimum growth and productivity. The plant can be fertilized with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizers. However, it is important to use fertilizers in the right proportion, as excessive fertilizer application can lead to environmental degradation, such as leaching of nutrients into the soil and groundwater. Organic fertilizers, such as farmyard manure and compost, can also be used to improve soil fertility and nutrient content.
Pruning of Stylosanthes viscosa (L.) Sw.
Pruning can be done to promote growth and increase productivity in Stylosanthes viscosa (L.) Sw. The plant can be pruned by removing the tips of the stems, which will encourage branching and increase the production of leaves and flowers. Pruning can also be done to remove dead or diseased parts of the plant and to maintain the shape and structure of the plant.
Propagation of Stylosanthes viscosa (L.) Sw.
The plant Stylosanthes viscosa (L.) Sw. can be propagated by various methods. The most common propagation methods for this plant include:
1. Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagation for Stylosanthes viscosa (L.) Sw. is through seeds. Mature seeds can be collected from the plant. These seeds should be cleaned and dried before propagation. Seedlings usually emerge within 4 to 14 days.
2. Stem Cutting Propagation
Stem cutting propagation is another method of propagating Stylosanthes viscosa (L.) Sw. In this method, the stem cuttings are taken from healthy plants of 6-10 months old and are treated with rooting hormones before planting in the soil. Within 2-3 weeks, new plants can emerge from these stem cuttings.
3. Root Cutting Propagation
Root cutting propagation is also an effective method for propagating Stylosanthes viscosa (L.) Sw. In this method, the root cuttings are taken from mature plants and should be about 1-2 cm in length. These root cuttings are then planted in soil or potting mix, and new plants can emerge within 2-3 weeks.
4. Layering Propagation
Layering propagation is a simple method of propagation in which a branch is covered with soil while still attached to the mother plant. New roots will emerge from the buried portion of the branch, and a new plant will emerge from it when the branch is separated from the mother plant.
Overall, Stylosanthes viscosa (L.) Sw. can easily be propagated through seed, stem cutting, root cutting, and layering methods, making it an easy plant to propagate and cultivate.
Disease and Pest Management for Stylosanthes viscosa (L.) Sw.
Stylosanthes viscosa, commonly known as sticky stylo, is a legume species that provides high-quality forage for livestock. However, it is prone to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and productivity. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggestions on how to manage them.
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot - Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular or irregular spots on the plant's foliage. The spots may be yellow, brown, or black and can merge to cause leaf blight. To manage leaf spot, avoid overhead irrigation, remove infected leaves, and apply a copper-based fungicide as per the manufacturer's directions.
Rust - Rust is a fungal disease that causes rust-colored spores on the plant's leaves, stems, and flowers. It can cause leaf yellowing and defoliation, thereby affecting forage production. To manage rust, apply a fungicide containing triadimefon in the recommended rate and timing, and also practice good sanitation by removing infected plant debris.
Root Rot - Root rot is a soil-borne disease that can lead to plant death. The disease is caused by the fungus Phytophthora and can be exacerbated by overwatering or poorly drained soils. To manage root rot, remove infected plants, improve soil drainage, and apply fungicides containing mefenoxam or metalaxyl as per the manufacturer's recommendations.
Common Pests
Cutworms - Cutworms are common pests that cut seedlings at the base, leading to plant death. To manage cutworms, cultivate the field before planting, apply insecticides containing carbaryl or diazinon, and use cutworm collars around the plant stems.
Spider Mites - Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the plant's sap, causing leaves to appear yellow and stippled. To manage spider mites, spray insecticidal soap or neem oil on the plant's foliage and implement good irrigation practices to maintain adequate moisture levels.
Aphids - Aphids are sap-sucking pests that can reduce plant growth and productivity. They also excrete honeydew, causing black mold growth on the plant. To manage aphids, wash infested plants with a strong jet of water or apply insecticides containing imidacloprid, acetamiprid or lambda-cyhalothrin as per the manufacturer's recommendations.
In conclusion, effective disease and pest management is crucial for ensuring optimal growth and productivity of Stylosanthes viscosa. By implementing the recommended control measures, farmers can minimize crop losses and increase yields.
